Abstract: Consistent identity information is provided for content information through the use of an identity manager. The identity manager stores styles and style elements and presentation information associated with a specific client identity. The styles and presentation information for each identity are stored based on client information. When a request for content is received, the information is retrieved. The styles and presentation information associated with the specific client identity are retrieved and merged with the content. The content and the client or user identity or look and feel information are integrated without expensive custom programming.

Abstract: Consistent identity information is provided for content information through the use of an identity manager. The identity manager stores styles and style elements and presentation information associated with a specific client identity. The styles and presentation information for each identity are stored based on client information. When a request for content is received, the information is retrieved. The styles and presentation information associated with the specific client identity are retrieved and merged with the content. The content and the client or user identity or look and feel information are integrated without expensive custom programming.

Abstract: Dynamic language translation is provided for a content portion through the use of a dynamic translation service which stores language information associated with specific client and user information. The dynamic translation service determines a language based on the client and user information. A skeleton of the content portion is then determined containing content elements of the content portion. The skeleton content elements are translated into the determined language based on the client and user information using stored translation tables of each skeleton content element or using dynamic natural language translation of each skeleton content element. The translated skeleton content elements are then merged into the content portion.

Abstract: A file management system facilitates both physical and logical file groupings with convenient access to surplus media for sub-volume expansion. Each item of media includes a local file directory, which provides a list of files stored on the medium, cross-referenced to the files' addresses on the medium. The media items are organized as one or more primary sub-volumes, an auxiliary sub-volume, and a media reservoir. Each primary sub-volume preferably comprises a single sub-directory, and includes one or more media items used to store files of a specific class. Initially each primary sub-volume includes a single piece of media. The library also includes at least one auxiliary sub-volume, which may include multiple sub-directories, to store leftover files that do not fall under classes corresponding to the primary sub-volumes. Files may be stored on the auxiliary sub-volume on a random, "space available" basis.

Abstract: A file management system for accessing mass storage systems, employing a compressed common file directory ("CCFD") that occupies a minimum amount of storage space. The CCFD is implemented in a storage system including a library of media, one or more storage drives that may be permanently or selectively coupled to the media, and a controller connected. Each piece of media includes a local file directory, which contains a listing of the files stored on that piece of media cross-referenced to those files' addresses on the media item. The controller contains or has convenient access to the CCFD. When access to a file is desired, the CCFD is used to quickly identify the piece of media containing that file. More particularly, the CCFD includes a first data structure including a list of encoded filenames cross-referenced to a list oil compressed media IDs. Each encoded filename comprises a filename of a file stored in one or more of the media, encoded with a selected encoding scheme.

Abstract: Data storage apparatus having an array of cartridge-storing receptacles with a media device at one extremity of the array, provides cartridge input-output either at all of the receptacles or at a predetermined number of such receptacles. The media device may face the travel of an accessing mechanism such that a holder in accessing mechanism loads a cartridge onto the media device while the holder is situated at the media device. Interlock means prevent the removal of cartridges while the accessing means holder is active in an IO range of the receptacles. Moving the accessing means out of the IO range of receptacles, such as to the media device, enables manual insertion and removal of cartridges. A plurality of the cartridges are kept in respective slots of the cassettes. These cassettes are removably inserted into respective ones of the receptacles.

Abstract: An automated data storage library of unique design includes a plurality of storage cell magazines containing storage cells for holding storage media cartridges therein. A picker mechanism having multiple direction capability is positioned for accessing and transporting the storage media cartridges between at least three adjacent storage cell magazines. The picker mechanism includes a pair of gripper pickers configured for releasably gripping and supporting the storage media cartridges during transport between the storage cells. The picker mechanism is rotatable so that one of the grippers can be utilized to access two of the adjacent storage cell magazines while the second gripper accesses the third storage cell magazine. For increased efficiency, the picker mechanism can be positioned between opposing columns of storage cell magazines together with a single storage cell column at one end.

Abstract: Data storage apparatus having an array of cartridge-storing receptacles with a media device at one extremity of the array, provides cartridge input-output either at all of the receptacles or at a predetermined number of such receptacles. The media device may face the travel of an accessing mechanism such that a holder in accessing mechanism loads a cartridge onto the media device while the holder is situated at the media device. Interlock means prevent the removal of cartridges while the accessing means holder is active in an IO range of the receptacles. Moving the accessing means out of the IO range of receptacles, such as to the media device, enables manual insertion and removal of cartridges. A plurality of the cartridges are kept in respective slots of the cassettes. These cassettes are removably inserted into respective ones of the receptacles.

Abstract: A checkerboard data storage library is provided which includes a plurality of receptacle modules and a plurality of picker modules. The receptacle modules and the picker modules are arranged alternately side by side in a closed loop planar array. Each receptacle module has a plurality of open-ended receptacles arranged one above the other in a column which extends perpendicular to the planar array. Each open-ended receptacle is capable of receiving and storing a recording medium. Each picker module has a picker which reciprocates vertically in a respective column opposite open ends of the receptacles in receptacle modules for transporting recording media therebetween. The above arrangement facilitates simpler expansion of the library and assures its operability even though one or two picker modules should fail.

Abstract: An automated data storage library of unique design includes a plurality of storage cell magazines containing storage cells for holding storage media cartridges therein. A picker mechanism having multiple direction capability is positioned for accessing and transporting the storage media cartridges between at least three adjacent storage cell magazines. The picker mechanism includes a pair of gripper pickers configured for releasably gripping and supporting the storage media cartridges during transport between the storage cells. The picker mechanism is rotatable so that one of the grippers can be utilized to access two of the adjacent storage cell magazines while the second gripper accesses the third storage cell magazine. For increased efficiency, the picker mechanism can be positioned between opposing columns of storage cell magazines together with a single storage cell column at one end.

Abstract: A library of disk media units for use in a data processing environment wherein receptacle columns hold multiple cartridges which in turn hold multiple media units comprised of caddies and recording disks. A picker system moves media into and from the drive units and receptacle columns. Drive units are also located within the receptacle columns. The caddies and cartridges are supplied with hole patterns to coact with optical sensors within the receptacle columns and thereby provide information to the library controller indicating the proper/improper operation of the picker system in positioning media units. Also, the hole pattern on the media unit enables the sensors to provide informational content about the media unit to the processor.

Abstract: A single accessing mechanism is deployed adjacently to two optical media libraries. Each library has a plurality of record medium storage compartments arranged respectively into a one-compartment wide column. Each library has its own media drive (player or recorder). An accessing module in the accessing mechanism is movable along the column lengths. The accessing module has two transfer compartments respectively for transferring record media in respective ones of said libraries between the respective storage compartments and the respective media drives. The compartments, either in the accessing module or the library, are vertically offset. A vertical space between vertically adjacent record media enables a fetching apparatus to simultaneously enter such space in both libraries. Moving the accessing module upward or downward respectively selects the record medium to be fetched--in only one of the two libraries.

Abstract: A double storage multi-carousel recordable media library is provided which includes a plurality of vertically stacked carousels mounted for rotation about a vertically extending central axis. Each carousel has a plurality of receptacles which are angularly spaced about the central axis, each receptacle being capable of storing a pair of recordable media disks. Each carousel has a large peripheral cutout which is located between a pair of receptacles for allowing passage of the disks and each receptacle has a smaller peripheral cutout for allowing movement of a transport device. Each carousel cutout is capable of alignment along a transport axis which is parallel to the central axis so that a disk can be transported vertically therealong. A disk chucking device is mounted for receiving and releasably retaining disks which are moved vertically along the transport axis.